Multi-pump apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A multi-pump apparatus can include a pump unit including two or more motorized pumps, wherein each of the two or more motorized pumps can include a stator and a stator exit. The multi-pump apparatus can further include a plurality of stator exits including each stator exit of each stator of the two or more motorized pumps, and a group of adjustable hoses, wherein the two or more motorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to inject a dense fluid from the plurality of stator exits through the group of adjustable hoses.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments are related to devices for pumping and applying dense fluidssuch as grout and epoxy materials. Embodiments also relate to pumpingdevices and methods used in oil and gas applications, and in theconstruction industry. Embodiments further relate to a multi-pumpapparatus.

BACKGROUND

Grouting applications are used in a variety of fields including but notlimited to the oil and gas industries. In the process of applying groutand other types of dense fluids such an epoxy grout, it is importantthat correct and efficiently operating equipment is used to fill allgaps and penetrate the necessary vacant spaces to provide the finishedjob with the necessary strength and durability along with waterproofingqualities.

In the oil and gas industry in particular, well interventions aresometimes necessary to address a broad range of goals including, forexample, the repair of a failed barrier in a well, which may be requiredto return the well to production. A well intervention may involvepumping and placing epoxy and other grout materials in critical andprecise locations associated with the well requiring repair. In manyintervention operations, flow paths may be restricted, which may makefluid placement difficult. This might be a function of working throughcompletion tubing, small channels in annular spaces orpermeable/unconsolidated formations.

The ability to efficiently pump and place grout or epoxy in multiplelocations, for example, is a critical goal in well interventionapplications in the oil and gas industries, and in other non oil and gasapplications such as in the construction industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of someof the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and isnot intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of thevarious aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained bytaking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as awhole.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide foran improved apparatus for pumping and applying dense fluids such asgrout and epoxy materials.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for amulti-pump apparatus.

The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can nowbe achieved as described herein. In an embodiment, a multi-pumpapparatus can include: a pump unit comprising at least two motorizedpumps, wherein each of the at least two motorized pumps includes astator and a stator exit; a plurality of stator exits including eachstator exit of each stator of the at least two motorized pumps; and aplurality of adjustable hoses, wherein the at least two motorized pumpsof the pump unit are operable to inject a dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unit includingthe at least two motorized pumps can provide for a multiple discharge.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unit includingthe at least two motorized pumps can provide for a placement of thedense fluid.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unit includingthe at least two motorized pumps can provide for a multiple dischargeand a placement of the dense fluid.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the at least two motorizedpumps of the pump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid fromthe plurality of stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the dense fluid can beinjected through the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity locatedbetween a base and the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the at least two motorizedpumps of the pump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid fromthe plurality of stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hosesinto a cavity located between a base and the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the dense fluid cancomprise an epoxy grout material.

In an embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the base can comprise aconcrete base.

In another embodiment, a method of operating a multi-pump apparatus, caninvolve: providing at least two motorized pumps of a pump unit; andoperating the at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit to inject adense fluid from a plurality of stator exits through a plurality ofadjustable hoses, the at least two motorized pumps including a statorand a stator exit, the plurality of stator exits including each statorexit of each stator of the at least two motorized pump.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps canprovide for a multiple discharge.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps canprovide for a placement of the dense fluid.

In an embodiment of the method, the pump unit including the at least twomotorized pumps can provide for a multiple discharge and a placement ofthe dense fluid.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps of thepump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses.

In an embodiment of the method, the dense fluid can be injected throughthe plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity located between a baseand the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps of thepump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavitylocated between a base and the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the method, the dense fluid can comprise an epoxygrout material.

In an embodiment of the method, the base comprises a concrete base.

In another embodiment, a multi-pump apparatus can include a pump unitcomprising at least two motorized pumps, wherein each of the at leasttwo motorized pumps includes a stator and a stator exit; a plurality ofstator exits including each stator exit of each stator of the at leasttwo motorized pumps; and a plurality of adjustable hoses, wherein: theat least two motorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to inject adense fluid from the plurality of stator exits through the plurality ofadjustable hoses; the pump unit including the at least two motorizedpumps provides for a multiple discharge and a placement of the densefluid; and the at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit areoperable to inject the dense fluid from the plurality of stator exitsthrough the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity located betweena base and the pump unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification,further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detaileddescription of the invention, serve to explain the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a multi-pump apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 2 illustrates another exploded view of the multi-pump apparatusshown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limitingexamples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or moreembodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments.Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different formsand, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to beconstrued as not being limited to any example embodiments set forthherein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative.Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matteris intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may beembodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly,embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software per se). Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not intended to beinterpreted in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meaningssuggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning.Likewise, phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or“in an example embodiment” and variations thereof as utilized herein maynot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrase “in anotherembodiment” or “in another example embodiment” or “in an alternativeembodiment” and variations thereof as utilized herein may or may notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, forexample, that the claimed subject matter can include combinations ofembodiments in whole or in part.

In general, terminology may be understood, at least in part, from usagein context. For example, terms such as “and,” “or,” or “and/or” as usedherein may include a variety of meanings that may depend, at least inpart, upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” ifused to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B,and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, hereused in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as usedherein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describeany feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may beused to describe combinations of features, structures, orcharacteristics in a plural sense.

Similarly, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the”, again, may be understoodto convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending atleast in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may beunderstood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set offactors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors notnecessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part oncontext. Furthermore, the term “at least one” may refer or relate to theterm “one or more” and the term “at least two” may refer to “two ormore” and so on.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a multi-pump apparatus 100, inaccordance with an embodiment. The multi-pump apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 can include two or more motorized pumps including a firstmotorized pump 142 and a second motorized pump 144. Note that althoughtwo pumps including the first motorized pump 142 and the secondmotorized pump 144 are shown in FIG. 1 including in the inset 90, it canbe appreciated that in other embodiments more than two pumps (e.g.,three, four or more pumps) may be implemented. In the preferredembodiment depicted in FIG. 1, however, two pumps 142 and 144 are shownoperating with the multi-pump apparatus 100.

The multi-pump apparatus 100 can include a pump unit 103 that comprisesthe first motorized pump 142 and the second motorized pump 144. Thefirst motorized pump 142 and the second motorized pump 144 can protrudefrom a bucket 102 that is also shown in the inset 90 and which forms apart of the pump unit 103. That is, the pump unit 103 can include thebucket 102 and the first motorized pump 142 and the second motorizedpump 144.

The first motorized pump 142 can include a plurality of componentsincluding a bracket 104 and a bracket 106. The bracket 104 can abutagainst the bucket 102 and can engage with a group of components such asa rod 105, a stator 109, a screw 107, a rod 111, bolt(s) 113, a rod 127,a stator 117, a screw 115, and a rod 119, which in turn can interfacewith the bracket 106 and other components including a cylindricalportion 108, a cylindrical portion 110, a stator exit 112, and a statorexit 114. Other components can include a T-shaped bracket 123 and aT-shaped bracket 110. The cylindrical portion 110 can surround thestator 109. Similarly, the cylindrical portion 110 can surround thestator 117. The cylindrical portion 110 can engage with the stator exit112 and the cylindrical portion 110 can engage with the stator exit 114.One or more adjustable hoses such as a hose 152 and a hose 154 mayrespectively engage with the stator exit 112 and the stator exit 114 asshown in the inset 90.

The multi-pump apparatus 100 can thus include a plurality of adjustablehoses including hoses 152 and 154 shown in the inset 90, wherein the twoor more motorized pumps 142 and 144 of the pump unit 103 are operable toinject a dense fluid (e.g., a grout, epoxy, etc.) from the stator exits112 and 114 through the plurality of adjustable hoses 152 and 154.

The multi-pump apparatus 100 can further include a C-shaped bracket 134that engages with a U-shaped bracket 132 and a plurality of gearsincluding a first gear 120, a second gear 124 and a third gear 126,which in turn can engage with a bracket 122 that abuts against thebucket 102 of the pump unit 103. The gears 120 124, and 126 can engagewith one or more rotors such a rotor 128, 130 and so on. The pump unit103 can further include one or more stators such as a stator 116 and astator 118 located toward the bottom of the bucket 102. One or morewheel(s) 140 can also connect to the bucket 102 to assist in theportability of the multi-pump apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exploded view of the multi-pump apparatus 100shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. Note that in thefigures discussed and illustrated herein, identical or similar parts aregenerally indicated by identical reference numerals. FIG. 2 thusillustrates many of the same components shown in FIG. 1, but from adifferent perspective. An example of an additional component shown inFIG. 2, but not depicted in FIG. 1 is a rotor 131 that can engage withthe gear 126. An inset 92 depicted in FIG. 2 also illustrates the pumpunit 102, but with the bracket 134, which was not clearly shown in theinset 90 depicted in FIG. 1.

The multi-pump apparatus 100 can be used to improve the process ofpumping and/or placing of epoxy and other grout materials. Themulti-pump apparatus 100 can pump and flow material such epoxy and/orother grout materials through multiple stator exits such as the statorexit 112 and the stator exit 114 into adjustable hoses such as the hoses152 and 154, which can facilitate increased material placement by 50% to100%. This minimizes time and effort while maximizing productivity,opportunity and advantages. The multi-pump apparatus 100 can allow forpumping and operating on two separate units or areas, therebyeliminating the use of two pump and or manual applications.

The multi-pump apparatus 100 can be used to grout pump skids formultiple grout pours that fill the skid. The multi-pump apparatus 100can also be used to grout compressor skids and/or fixed compressors.Furthermore, the multi-pump apparatus 100 can allow for the filling ofmultiple areas segregated by expansion joints. The multi-pump apparatus100 additionally allows for large continuous pours without productivityor time limitations.

Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number ofembodiments including both preferred and alternative embodiments, aredisclosed herein. For example, in a preferred embodiment, a multi-pumpapparatus can include: a pump unit comprising at least two motorizedpumps, wherein each of the at least two motorized pumps includes astator and a stator exit; a plurality of stator exits including eachstator exit of each stator of the at least two motorized pumps; and aplurality of adjustable hoses, wherein the at least two motorized pumpsof the pump unit are operable to inject a dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unitincluding the at least two motorized pumps can provide for a multipledischarge.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unitincluding the at least two motorized pumps can provide for a placementof the dense fluid.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the pump unitincluding the at least two motorized pumps can provide for a multipledischarge and a placement of the dense fluid.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the at least twomotorized pumps of the pump unit can be operable to inject the densefluid from the plurality of stator exits through the plurality ofadjustable hoses.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the dense fluid canbe injected through the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavitylocated between a base and the pump unit.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the at least twomotorized pumps of the pump unit can be operable to inject the densefluid from the plurality of stator exits through the plurality ofadjustable hoses into a cavity located between a base and the pump unit.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the dense fluid cancomprise an epoxy grout material.

In another embodiment of the multi-pump apparatus, the base can comprisea concrete base.

In still another embodiment, a method of operating a multi-pumpapparatus, can involve: providing at least two motorized pumps of a pumpunit; and operating the at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit toinject a dense fluid from a plurality of stator exits through aplurality of adjustable hoses, the at least two motorized pumpsincluding a stator and a stator exit, the plurality of stator exitsincluding each stator exit of each stator of the at least two motorizedpump.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps canprovide for a multiple discharge.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps canprovide for a placement of the dense fluid.

In an embodiment of the method, the pump unit including the at least twomotorized pumps can provide for a multiple discharge and a placement ofthe dense fluid.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps of thepump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses.

In an embodiment of the method, the dense fluid can be injected throughthe plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity located between a baseand the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least two motorized pumps of thepump unit can be operable to inject the dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavitylocated between a base and the pump unit.

In an embodiment of the method, the dense fluid can comprise an epoxygrout material.

In an embodiment of the method, the base comprises a concrete base.

In another embodiment, a multi-pump apparatus can include a pump unitcomprising at least two motorized pumps, wherein each of the at leasttwo motorized pumps includes a stator and a stator exit; a plurality ofstator exits including each stator exit of each stator of the at leasttwo motorized pumps; and a plurality of adjustable hoses, wherein: theat least two motorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to inject adense fluid from the plurality of stator exits through the plurality ofadjustable hoses; the pump unit including the at least two motorizedpumps provides for a multiple discharge and a placement of the densefluid; and the at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit areoperable to inject the dense fluid from the plurality of stator exitsthrough the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity located betweena base and the pump unit.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. It will alsobe appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended tobe encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-pump apparatus, comprising: a pump unitcomprising at least two motorized pumps, wherein each of the at leasttwo motorized pumps includes a stator and a stator exit; a plurality ofstator exits including each stator exit of each stator of the at leasttwo motorized pumps; and a plurality of adjustable hoses, wherein the atleast two motorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to inject adense fluid from the plurality of stator exits through the plurality ofadjustable hoses.
 2. The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1 wherein thepump unit including the at least two motorized pumps provides for amultiple discharge.
 3. The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1 wherein thepump unit including the at least two motorized pumps provides for aplacement of the dense fluid.
 4. The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1wherein the pump unit including the at least two motorized pumpsprovides for a multiple discharge and a placement of the dense fluid. 5.The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least two motorizedpumps of the pump unit are operable to inject the dense fluid from theplurality of stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses. 6.The multi-pump apparatus of claim 3 wherein the dense fluid is injectedthrough the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity located betweena base and the pump unit.
 7. The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to injectthe dense fluid from the plurality of stator exits through the pluralityof adjustable hoses into a cavity located between a base and the pumpunit.
 8. The multi-pump apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dense fluidcomprises an epoxy grout material.
 9. The multi-pump apparatus of claim7 wherein the base comprises a concrete base.
 10. A method of operatinga multi-pump apparatus, comprising: providing at least two motorizedpumps of a pump unit; and operating the at least two motorized pumps ofthe pump unit to inject a dense fluid from a plurality of stator exitsthrough a plurality of adjustable hoses, the at least two motorizedpumps including a stator and a stator exit, the plurality of statorexits including each stator exit of each stator of the at least twomotorized pump.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least twomotorized pumps provides for a multiple discharge.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the at least two motorized pumps provides for aplacement of the dense fluid.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein thepump unit including the at least two motorized pumps provides for amultiple discharge and a placement of the dense fluid.
 14. The methodclaim 10 wherein the at least two motorized pumps of the pump unit areoperable to inject the dense fluid from the plurality of stator exitsthrough the plurality of adjustable hoses.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the dense fluid is injected through the plurality of adjustablehoses into a cavity located between a base and the pump unit.
 16. Themethod of claim 10 wherein the at least two motorized pumps of the pumpunit are operable to inject the dense fluid from the plurality of statorexits through the plurality of adjustable hoses into a cavity locatedbetween a base and the pump unit.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein thedense fluid comprises an epoxy grout material.
 18. The method of claim16 wherein the base comprises a concrete base.
 19. A multi-pumpapparatus, comprising: a pump unit comprising at least two motorizedpumps, wherein each of the at least two motorized pumps includes astator and a stator exit; a plurality of stator exits including eachstator exit of each stator of the at least two motorized pumps; and aplurality of adjustable hoses, wherein: the at least two motorized pumpsof the pump unit are operable to inject a dense fluid from the pluralityof stator exits through the plurality of adjustable hoses; the pump unitincluding the at least two motorized pumps provides for a multipledischarge and a placement of the dense fluid; and the at least twomotorized pumps of the pump unit are operable to inject the dense fluidfrom the plurality of stator exits through the plurality of adjustablehoses into a cavity located between a base and the pump unit.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the dense fluid comprises an epoxy groutmaterial and the base comprises a concrete base.